The Dallas Mavericks have signed center Kylor Kelley from the NBA G League’s South Bay Lakers, responding to ongoing injury concerns with key players such as Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Maxi Kleber. The Mavericks, who recently suffered a 122-107 loss to the Boston Celtics, are facing a challenging season, and their injury report shows no signs of improving soon.
To address their roster needs, the Mavericks waived point guard Jazian Gortman from his two-way contract, making room for Kelley. Gortman, who last played during the loss to the Celtics, recorded one rebound in two minutes of action. Over 16 games this season, he has played a total of 56 minutes.
Kylor Kelley, the Mavericks’ latest addition, comes to the team after averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game in nine regular-season appearances with the South Bay Lakers. Before his professional career, the 27-year-old played college basketball for five years between 2015 and 2020.
Kelley was briefly signed by the San Antonio Spurs in 2020 but was waived without playing in a game. He later joined the G League, playing for the Austin Spurs, Raptors 905, and Maine Celtics before his stint with the South Bay Lakers.
This season, Kelley has also played in the Tip-off Tournament, where he averaged 12.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks in 13 games. The Mavericks have announced that he will wear No. 50 for the team.
The Mavericks are dealing with several injury concerns as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Washington Wizards on Monday. Here’s a look at the team’s current injury report:
- Naji Marshall: Out (Illness)
- Dwight Powell: Out (Right Hip Strain)
- Maxi Kleber: Out (Right Foot Fracture)
- Dereck Lively II: Out (Right Ankle Stress Fracture)
- Luka Dončić: Out (Left Calf Strain)
- Danté Exum: Out (Right Wrist Surgery)
Leave a Reply